Michael Owen to be left out of England squad

26 Aug 2009 10:03:30

Capello is putting the final touches to his squad for next week’s friendly against Slovenia and the World Cup qualifier against Croatia on September 9.
Owen scored his first Premier League goal for United against Wigan last weekend and will have hoped his return to form and fitness would convince Capello to call him up.
However, the England coach will not watch United’s match with with Arsenal this weekend, and will instead check on Joleon Lescott and David James at Portsmouth vs Manchester City.
Wayne Rooney is an automatic selection, while Jermain Defoe, Carlton Cole and Emile Heskey all appear ahead of Owen in the pecking order.
Defoe in particular, has impressed Capello. The Tottenham striker scored twice for England against Holland earlier this month and has transferred that form onto the domestic stage. has become a real obstacle for Owen, especially when he is scoring goals for England as well as Tottenham.
Heskey and Cole, who have both started the season well, should also be named when Capello announces his squad on Sunday. England will qualify for the World Cup finals in South Africa if they beat Slaven Bilic's Croatia.